By Libya Herald reporter.
Tunis, 12 July 2015:
The Libyan League of Ulema (LLU) has thrown its weight behind calls for the release of . . .[restrict]all illegally held prisoners in Libya before Eid Al-Fitr following the end of Ramadan. It is due to start next Friday, 17 July.
Yesterday, at the Dialogue Draft initialling ceremony in Skhirat, UN Special Envoy Bernardino Leon called on all parties to release any illegally detained prisoners before the end of Ramadan, describing it as “an unequivocal sign that all parties are genuinely committed to achieving reconciliation”.
In a statement today, the LLU said that it was grateful for releases that have already taken place and that remaining prisoners should be released before Eid. Again, like Leon, it said that such moves, as well as the return of refugees and those who had fled the fighting, helped rebuild peace in Libya.
A number of prisoners captured in earlier fighting has been released as the result of local peace agreements between towns in the west of the country. Misrata Municipal Council has also ordered an inquiry into the status of people being held prisoner in the city and into the places they are being detained.
In its statement today, the LLU said it also welcomed dialogue at all levels between Libyans “domestically, regionally, and internationally”, and in particular the meetings on civil and tribal levels in the country. It further stated its “heartfelt thanks” for all the regional and international support to help bring about reconciliation between Libyans.
The LLU represents mainstream Islam in Libya. [/restrict]
